The Cleveland Guardians lost their center fielder Lane Thomas in mid-April, as he succumbed to a bone bruise in his right wrist.
Wrist injuries can be very problematic for hitters and it certainly affected Thomas, as he was hitting a mere .156/.188/.178 with a zero wRC+ (no, that’s not a typo) in 48 plate appearances.
He was actually worth a negative fWAR, at -0.3.
But Thomas has been recovering nicely and playing minor league rehab games.
He has been getting back his timing and is looking excellent at the plate in Triple-A at the moment.
After another brilliant game on Wednesday, he is shaping up as an option for the Guardians’ outfield very soon.
“Cleveland #Guardians OF Lane Thomas collected three hits today (3-5 3R HR 3RBI) driving in three runs for Columbus including this 2-run HR in the 5th inning vs Omaha. Thomas last three rehab games: 6-11 6R 1(2B) 2HR 5RBI 2BB 1SB .545 AVG,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians OF Lane Thomas collected three hits today (3-5 3R HR 3RBI) driving in three runs for Columbus including this 2-run HR in the 5th inning vs Omaha.
Thomas last three rehab games:
6-11 6R 1(2B) 2HR 5RBI 2BB 1SB .545 AVG#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/CjPsE41E7U
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 21, 2025
Overall, he is hitting a beautiful .333/.370/.667 with a 164 wRC+ in 27 trips to the plate in Columbus.
There is a chance Thomas is ready to return to Cleveland’s lineup by the end of the week.
He’s actually ready, or at least it seems like it when watching him in Triple-A, but it will be up to the team to open up a spot on the roster to accommodate him.
Thomas was acquired last year before the deadline to start in center field, and despite a disappointing 84 wRC+ in 187 plate appearances, he caught fire in the postseason and put up a 124 wRC+ there, with two homers and nine RBI.
He has 20-20 upside and will be a free agent after the season, so he is highly motivated as he’s playing for his next contract.
NEXT: Andrew Walters Deserves Another Shot In The Majors
